Griswold recount slated for Wednesday

Monday

Nov 11, 2013 at 9:53 PMNov 11, 2013 at 9:53 PM

By Heather Lakehlake@norwichbulletin.com (860) 425-4256

A one vote difference between Griswold First Selectman Philip Anthony Jr. and his Republican opponent Kevin Skulczyck in the Nov. 5 election has triggered a recount under state statute that will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Griswold Town Hall.

State statute requires an automatic recount when candidates are within one-percent or 20 votes of one another. In this race it is Skulczyck 853, Anthony, 852.

The three-way race, with petitioning candidate Edmund Burke in third place with 398 votes, initially was called as a 16-point lead by Anthony on Election Day night. But the moderator realized the Election Day Registration votes hadn't been properly tabulated by the computer program he was using.

Election Day Registration is new to the state as of this election and allows voters to register the day of an election. There were 26 new voter registrations on Election Day in Griswold.

A second, unofficial, count put Skulczyck in the lead by one vote.

Burke wouldn't say who he would have voted for if not for himself, but he said the voters; will must be exercised.

"I think the future is going to be very interesting," Burke said. "It's whatever it is."

Anthony said this is a first for him.

"It's a new experience for me," he said, adding that regardless of the outcome Wednesday he will continue to serve the town.

"I've been a public servant for 24 years and win or lose I'll be a public servant for two more years. In the end I'll continue being a public servant for the town of Griswold.

If re-elected it would be Anthony's fourth term as first selectman and either way he will have a seat on the Board of Selectmen, as will Skulczyck.

Anthony and Skulczyck both say this election should serve as an example to voters.

"I've always been impatient with individuals who say 'It's only one vote, Phil,' One vote always counts. You lose your voice if you don't vote."

Griswold resident Bill Martin, a registered Democrat, said he knows all three of the candidates.

"I think they'd all do a good job. They all seemed to put forth a good argument when they had the debate. I guess a lot of people thought that, that's why it was so close," Martin said.